noun - moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control

Cowboy was adopted at seven or eight years of age from the Heart of Texas Akita Club. Oddly enough, Allira picked him out, but we all fell in love. Cowboy was all Akita temperament from the start, "alert and responsive, dignified and courageous." We worked together in obedience, he as a solid ambassador of the breed as I taught basic obedience lessons. Sometimes we worked on his terms, but during those times Cowboy was teaching me more than I could have ever taught him. As our relationship progressed, we went on to earn Cowboy's Rally Novice title in one weekend placing fourth our first time in the ring, the following month he went on to pass the Temperament Test scoring very solid marks. Finally in 2006 we went on to complete his Canine Good Citizenship test and Cowboy officially retired.

With us from 2002 - 2007, in our hearts forever.

noun - desire to do good to others; goodwill; charitableness

Allira, the Aboriginal word for daughter, was everything a girl is supposed to be, "sugar and spice and everything nice." We adopted Allira at around three months of age and watched her blossom over the next year. She was simply a joy to be around, loved life, people, dogs (any animal for that matter), and the places we visited. She was always ready for our next adventure and journey. At three years of age, just two weeks after Storm’s passing, Allira became very ill. A plethora of testing was done with a final diagnosis of Addison’s Disease. Allira proudly lived her life nearly four years post diagnosis. During that time she was a wonderful ambassador of the Akita breed by accompanying me to teach basic obedience lessons, she went on to earn her Rally Novice title in one short weekend placing second our first time in the ring, and passing the Temperament Test with flying colors.

With us from 1999 - 2006, in our hearts forever.

noun - steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement

Storm was adopted from the Heart of Texas Akita Club at around one to two years of age. Within a few short months Storm was diagnosed with UDS, a rare autoimmune disease. We treated Strom through the guidance of his ophthalmologist during the following year. However, additional diseases and illnesses plagued Storm, some were complications of UDS others were complications due to neglect from his previous owner. During this time Storm fought valiantly, we couldn’t have asked for more from a dog as ill as Storm. Just thirteen months from the time Storm entered our lives we sadly helped him cross over, where he could finally be free from his earthbound body that plagued him so.

With us from 2001 - 2002, in our hearts forever.